Arthur Davis
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Arthur Davis was born in Nottingham in about 1884. He married Elizabeth Stubbs (b. 14 November 1883) in 1907 (O/N/D Basford) and they had four children, all of whom were born in Nottingham: Clarice May b. 8 April 1908, Leonard Alan b. 26 May 1910, George Henry b. 10 October 1912 and Constance Mary b. 16 June 1915. In 1911 Arthur (27), a framework knitter, and Elizabeth (27) were living at 13 Mortimer Street, Nottingham, with their two children Clarice (2) and Leonard (under one year). They later had George (1912) and Constance (1915). The family was still living on Mortimer Street when Arthur was killed in July 1916. Arthur's widow has not yet been traced after the war. Of their children: Clarice May has not yet been identified after the war, Leonard Alan died in 2005 (A/M/J Nottingham), George Henry died in 1992 (Jan Nottingham) and Constance Mary (Davis) died in 1975 (J/A/S Derby).
Private Arthur Davis enlisted in Nottingham and served with the 8th battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He landed in France on 9th September 1915. Arthur was killed in action on 31st July 1916 - the Register of Soldiers' Effects records his death occuring at a Clearing Station. He was buried in Wailly Orchard Cemetery, France (grave reference I F 2). CWGC: 'The cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the Liverpool battalions of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, as a front line cemetery ... It was little used in 1917, but in March-August 1918, it was considerably enlarged by the Canadian and other units defending the Third Army front'
WW1 Pension Ledgers Index Card names his dependants: widow Elizabeth Davis b. 14 November 1883 and children Clarice May. b. 8 April 1908. Leonard Alan, George Henry, b. 10 October 1912. Constance Mary b. 16 June 1915. Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his widow Elizabeth was his sole legatee. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’. 21 August 1916: ‘Davis. Killed in action, July 31st, Private Arthur Davis, beloved husband of E Davis, Mortimer-street. I think of him in silence when I am all alone, for memory is the only friend that grief can call its own. From his sorrowing wife and children.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’. 21 August 1916: ‘Davis. Killed in action, July 31st, Private Arthur Davis, our dearly-beloved brother. Give unto him eternal rest, O Lord. From Emma & his brother Harvey [Harry] (in France).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’. 21 August 1916: ‘Davis. Killed in action, July 31st, Private Arthur Davis, the beloved son of Mrs Lindley, Grove-road. Not gone from memory nor from love, but to our Father’s home above. His sorrowing mother and family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) 'In memoriam' notices published 31st July 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post : - “DAVIS. – In sacred memory of Private Arthur Davis, late of Mortimer-street, killed July 31st, 1916. Until the day breaks. – From his wife and kiddies. “DAVIS. – In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Arthur Davis, killed in action July 31st, 1916. They miss him most who loved him best. “DAVIS. – In loving memory of Private A. Davis, killed in action July 31st, 1916. An ever-present sorrow. – Harry (in France), Emma.” Above courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 31 July 1918: ‘Davis. In loving memory of Arthur, fell in action July 31st, 1916. Ever in our thoughts. Father, mother, brothers and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 31 July 1918: ‘Davis. In loving memory of our dear brother Pte. Arthur Davis, killed in action July 31st, 1916. A day of remembrance sad to recall. Harry (in France) and Emma.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
No Photos